<b>61. Andrew McDonald, offensive tackle</b>
<br>
He was signed late in the season to provide depth after Duane Brown was lost for the last game and the Kansas City playoff game. If he returns, he’ll compete for playing time off the bench. less

<b>61. Andrew McDonald, offensive tackle</b>
<br>
He was signed late in the season to provide depth after Duane Brown was lost for the last game and the Kansas City playoff game. If he returns, he’ll ... more

Photo: Uncredited / Associated Press

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<b>60. Corey Moore, safety</b>
<br>
Another undrafted free agent who spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad. The coaches like his size and attitude. How well he does in the offseason program will go a long way toward determining what kind of chance he has to make the team again. less

<b>60. Corey Moore, safety</b>
<br>
Another undrafted free agent who spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad. The coaches like his size and attitude. How well he does in the offseason program ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>59. Carlos Thompson, outside linebacker</b>
<br>
He’s got size and some talent, but he was injured for most of the season. He’ll compete for a spot on the team if he can get through the offseason program. less

<b>59. Carlos Thompson, outside linebacker</b>
<br>
He’s got size and some talent, but he was injured for most of the season. He’ll compete for a spot on the team if he can get through the offseason ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>58. Greg Mancz, center</b>
<br>
An undrafted rookie free agent who impressed the coaches in preseason and made the team. He contributed off the bench before being injured and lost for the season. less

<b>58. Greg Mancz, center</b>
<br>
An undrafted rookie free agent who impressed the coaches in preseason and made the team. He contributed off the bench before being injured and lost for the ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>57. B.J. Daniels, quarterback</b>
<br>
Signed off Seattle’s practice squad late in the season, he got a little playing time in the Wildcat. He also has some talent as a receiver.

<b>57. B.J. Daniels, quarterback</b>
<br>
Signed off Seattle’s practice squad late in the season, he got a little playing time in the Wildcat. He also has some talent as a receiver.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>56. Lonnie Ballentine, safety</b>
<br>
If he could stay healthy, he might be able to put his size, speed and talent together and help at safety. Just when he started to get the hang of it and contributed, he went down for the season. less

<b>56. Lonnie Ballentine, safety</b>
<br>
If he could stay healthy, he might be able to put his size, speed and talent together and help at safety. Just when he started to get the hang of it and contributed, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>55. Jeff Adams, offensive tackle</b>
<br>
In his second season with the Texans, he started two games at guard before going down for the season with an injury. He should return and compete for a position as the swing tackle position and also can project inside to guard. less

<b>55. Jeff Adams, offensive tackle</b>
<br>
In his second season with the Texans, he started two games at guard before going down for the season with an injury. He should return and compete for a position ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>54. Rahim Moore, safety</b>
<br>
The free agent from Denver started the first seven games but didn’t play well. He made mental and physical mistakes. He was replaced by Quintin Demps and spent the last nine games inactive while the Texans went 7-2. less

<b>54. Rahim Moore, safety</b>
<br>
The free agent from Denver started the first seven games but didn’t play well. He made mental and physical mistakes. He was replaced by Quintin Demps and spent the last ... more

Photo: Jon Shapley / Houston Chronicle

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<b>53. Jeoffrey Pagan, defensive end</b>
<br>
In his second season, he didn’t progress the way the coaches wanted and spent much of the season inactive. He saw some action off the bench, but he needs to show a lot of improvement next season. less

<b>53. Jeoffrey Pagan, defensive end</b>
<br>
In his second season, he didn’t progress the way the coaches wanted and spent much of the season inactive. He saw some action off the bench, but he needs to ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>52. Oday Aboushi, offensive guard</b>
<br>
After being cut by the New York Jets, he came to the Texans and did a decent job of filling in at both guard positions. The openings were created because of injuries. He played for new line coach Mike Devlin with the Jets and knew the system. less

<b>52. Oday Aboushi, offensive guard</b>
<br>
After being cut by the New York Jets, he came to the Texans and did a decent job of filling in at both guard positions. The openings were created because of ... more

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<b>51. Garrett Graham, tight end</b>
<br>
The worst season of his Texans career had him spending too many games on the inactive list after catching only 4 passes for 40 yards and one touchdown. He also had three dropped passes. less

<b>51. Garrett Graham, tight end</b>
<br>
The worst season of his Texans career had him spending too many games on the inactive list after catching only 4 passes for 40 yards and one touchdown. He also had ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>50. Kurtis Drummond, safety</b>
<br>
This undrafted rookie free agent excelled on special teams with 10 tackles. He’s got size and talent, and the coaches are pumped to see him after he participates in the offseason program. less

<b>50. Kurtis Drummond, safety</b>
<br>
This undrafted rookie free agent excelled on special teams with 10 tackles. He’s got size and talent, and the coaches are pumped to see him after he participates in ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>49. Akeem Dent, inside linebacker</b>
<br>
A former starter at inside linebacker provided depth. He also contributed on the coverage teams.

<b>49. Akeem Dent, inside linebacker</b>
<br>
A former starter at inside linebacker provided depth. He also contributed on the coverage teams.

Photo: Brett Carlsen / Getty Images

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<b>48. Kendall Lamm, offensive tackle</b>
<br>
Signed as an undrafted free agent who can play either side. He also was used as an extra tight end in some formations. He actually caught a pass for 7 yards. less

<b>48. Kendall Lamm, offensive tackle</b>
<br>
Signed as an undrafted free agent who can play either side. He also was used as an extra tight end in some formations. He actually caught a pass for 7 ... more

Photo: Frederick Breedon / Getty Images

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<b>47. Justin Tuggle, inside linebacker</b>
<br>
His versatility and special teams performance kept him on the team. He can play inside or outside linebacker. He can fill in as a starter if necessary. He’s also good on coverage teams. less

<b>47. Justin Tuggle, inside linebacker</b>
<br>
His versatility and special teams performance kept him on the team. He can play inside or outside linebacker. He can fill in as a starter if necessary. He’s ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>46. Akeem Hunt, running back</b>
<br>
Signed after Baltimore released him from its practice squad, he was put on the active roster on Nov. 21 and showed a lot of speed and talent. He was the fastest player on the team and finished with 96 yards rushing, including a 5.6-yard per carry average. less

<b>46. Akeem Hunt, running back</b>
<br>
Signed after Baltimore released him from its practice squad, he was put on the active roster on Nov. 21 and showed a lot of speed and talent. He was the fastest ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>45. Arian Foster, running back</b>
<br>
His injury-plagued season caused him to rush for only 163 yards and a 2.6-yard average per carry. He was more effective as a receiver with 22 receptions for 227 yards and two touchdowns. less

<b>45. Arian Foster, running back</b>
<br>
His injury-plagued season caused him to rush for only 163 yards and a 2.6-yard average per carry. He was more effective as a receiver with 22 receptions for 227 ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>44. Brandon Dunn, nose tackle</b>
<br>
Signed off Chicago’s practice squad, he received some playing time on the nose and at end. Should be better next season after an offseason with the Texans. less

<b>44. Brandon Dunn, nose tackle</b>
<br>
Signed off Chicago’s practice squad, he received some playing time on the nose and at end. Should be better next season after an offseason with the ... more

Photo: Wesley Hitt / Getty Images

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<b>43. Darryl Morris, cornerback</b>
<br>
Provided depth at one of the deepest positions on the team and also played on special teams.

<b>43. Darryl Morris, cornerback</b>
<br>
Provided depth at one of the deepest positions on the team and also played on special teams.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>42. Keith Mumphery, wide receiver</b>
<br>
The rookie receiver became the primary return man. He averaged 7.8 yards on punt returns and 24.1 on kickoff returns. Finished with 14 catches and 129 yards. Like fellow rookie Jaelen Strong, the coaches are excited about his second season after he participates in the offseason program. less

<b>41. Jaelen Strong, wide receiver</b>
<br>
The third-round pick spent most of his rookie season watching and learning. He flashed the kind of talent the Texans covet with 14 catches for 161 yards and three touchdowns. Once he gets down the system and reduces mistakes in practice, he’ll get more playing time. less

<b>41. Jaelen Strong, wide receiver</b>
<br>
The third-round pick spent most of his rookie season watching and learning. He flashed the kind of talent the Texans covet with 14 catches for 161 yards and three ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>40. Charles James, cornerback</b>
<br>
The fan favorite was cut, signed with Baltimore and then returned to the Texans. He excelled on kickoff and punt coverage. When he got to play corner, he did well around the line of scrimmage before getting hurt and going on injured reserve. less

<b>40. Charles James, cornerback</b>
<br>
The fan favorite was cut, signed with Baltimore and then returned to the Texans. He excelled on kickoff and punt coverage. When he got to play corner, he did well ... more

Photo: Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle

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<b>39. Max Bullough, inside linebacker</b>
<br>
He got some playing time when Benardrick McKinney was injured and showed a lot of improvement over his rookie year. On special teams, he finished as the second-leading tackler with 14 on coverage teams. less

<b>39. Max Bullough, inside linebacker</b>
<br>
He got some playing time when Benardrick McKinney was injured and showed a lot of improvement over his rookie year. On special teams, he finished as the ... more

Photo: Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery / Getty Images

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<b>38. Christian Covington, nose tackle</b>
<br>
The sixth-round pick from Rice was an underclassman who impressed his coaches and teammates with his intelligence, knowledge, work ethic and talent. He showed some pass rush talent inside and finished with two sacks. less

<b>38. Christian Covington, nose tackle</b>
<br>
The sixth-round pick from Rice was an underclassman who impressed his coaches and teammates with his intelligence, knowledge, work ethic and talent. He showed ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>37. A.J. Bouye, cornerback</b>
<br>
After a slow start, he recovered to play well over the second half of the season. He was the third corner when Kareem Jackson was out. Finished with two interceptions. less

<b>37. A.J. Bouye, cornerback</b>
<br>
After a slow start, he recovered to play well over the second half of the season. He was the third corner when Kareem Jackson was out. Finished with two ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>36. Chris Clark, offensive tackle</b>
<br>
Acquired in preseason from Denver, he became a valuable addition who earned the swing tackle job. He started at both tackle positions and excelled as Duane Brown’s replacement on the left side. less

<b>36. Chris Clark, offensive tackle</b>
<br>
Acquired in preseason from Denver, he became a valuable addition who earned the swing tackle job. He started at both tackle positions and excelled as Duane ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>35. Chris Polk, running back</b>
<br>
Signed as a free agent, he shared time with Alfred Blue, Jonathan Grimes and Akeem Hunt after Arian Foster went down for the season. He finished with 334 yards rushing and added 16 receptions. less

<b>35. Chris Polk, running back</b>
<br>
Signed as a free agent, he shared time with Alfred Blue, Jonathan Grimes and Akeem Hunt after Arian Foster went down for the season. He finished with 334 yards ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>34. Brian Peters, linebacker</b>
<br>
After being signed off Minnesota’s practice squad, he became the Texans’ best special teams player. He led the coverage teams with 17 tackles, three more than Max Bullough. less

<b>34. Brian Peters, linebacker</b>
<br>
After being signed off Minnesota’s practice squad, he became the Texans’ best special teams player. He led the coverage teams with 17 tackles, three more than Max ... more

Photo: Wesley Hitt / Getty Images

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<b>33. C.J. Fiedorowicz, tight end</b>
<br>
In his second season, he was still primarily a blocker, but he also had 17 receptions for 167 yards and a touchdown. He can be sneaky good on pass routes, but blocking is still his strong point. less

<b>33. C.J. Fiedorowicz, tight end</b>
<br>
In his second season, he was still primarily a blocker, but he also had 17 receptions for 167 yards and a touchdown. He can be sneaky good on pass routes, but ... more

Photo: Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle

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<b>32. Ryan Griffin, tight end</b>
<br>
He missed seven games because of a knee injury. Finished with 20 catches for 251 yards and two touchdowns. If he stays healthy, he’s capable of catching 50 passes. less

<b>32. Ryan Griffin, tight end</b>
<br>
He missed seven games because of a knee injury. Finished with 20 catches for 251 yards and two touchdowns. If he stays healthy, he’s capable of catching 50 ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>31. Jay Prosch, fullback</b>
<br>
A hard-nosed lead blocker who likes to punish defensive players. When he was in the lineup, defenses knew the Texans were going to run but often couldn’t stop them. less

<b>31. Jay Prosch, fullback</b>
<br>
A hard-nosed lead blocker who likes to punish defensive players. When he was in the lineup, defenses knew the Texans were going to run but often couldn’t stop ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>30. Cecil Shorts, wide receiver</b>
<br>
Battled injuries but finished third with 42 catches for 484 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw a touchdown pass.

<b>30. Cecil Shorts, wide receiver</b>
<br>
Battled injuries but finished third with 42 catches for 484 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw a touchdown pass.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>29. Nick Novak, kicker</b>
<br>
After replacing Randy Bullock, he was 18-of-21 on field goals. Every miss was from 50 and beyond. He missed two extra points, though. He had touchbacks on a career-best 37 percent of his kickoffs. less

<b>29. Nick Novak, kicker</b>
<br>
After replacing Randy Bullock, he was 18-of-21 on field goals. Every miss was from 50 and beyond. He missed two extra points, though. He had touchbacks on a career-best 37 ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>28. Eddie Pleasant, safety</b>
<br>
Too many penalties on special teams early in the season, but he rebounded to play well on coverage teams as well as defense. Over the second half of the season, he was a force off the bench with two interceptions, hard hits and pass breakups. less

<b>28. Eddie Pleasant, safety</b>
<br>
Too many penalties on special teams early in the season, but he rebounded to play well on coverage teams as well as defense. Over the second half of the season, he was ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b>27. Brandon Weeden, quarterback</b>
<br>
Claimed on waivers from Dallas when T.J. Yates suffered a knee injury, Weeden helped the Texans win in Indianapolis for the first time in franchise history, then won his only start. He finished with three touchdowns and no interceptions. less

<b>27. Brandon Weeden, quarterback</b>
<br>
Claimed on waivers from Dallas when T.J. Yates suffered a knee injury, Weeden helped the Texans win in Indianapolis for the first time in franchise history, then ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>26. Xavier Su'a-Filo, offensive guard</b>
<br>
His roller-coaster season began in Bill O’Brien’s doghouse because he reported out of shape, then suffered an injury to his calf. He struggled for the first half of the season. Then, when he became a regular starter at left guard, the Texans went 6-2 over the second half, and his performance improved. less

<b>26. Xavier Su'a-Filo, offensive guard</b>
<br>
His roller-coaster season began in Bill O’Brien’s doghouse because he reported out of shape, then suffered an injury to his calf. He struggled for the ... more

Photo: Tom Szczerbowski / Getty Images

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<b>25. Quintin Demps, safety</b>
<br>
A superb addition during training camp. Signed by general manager Rick Smith for his second tour with the Texans, he was a backup and special teams player until Rahim Moore was benched and replaced by Demps. At that point, the defense became one of the best in the league. He led the secondary with 61 tackles. less

<b>25. Quintin Demps, safety</b>
<br>
A superb addition during training camp. Signed by general manager Rick Smith for his second tour with the Texans, he was a backup and special teams player until Rahim ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b>24. T.J. Yates, quarterback</b>
<br>
After being released by the Falcons, he was at home on his sofa when general manager Rick Smith called. Yates came off the bench to throw the winning touchdown pass at Cincinnati. He threw two touchdown passes in his starting victory over the Jets the next week. He finished on injured reserve with a knee injury that required surgery. less

<b>24. T.J. Yates, quarterback</b>
<br>
After being released by the Falcons, he was at home on his sofa when general manager Rick Smith called. Yates came off the bench to throw the winning touchdown pass at ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>23. Shane Lechler, punter</b>
<br>
In his third season with the Texans and the last year of his contract, one of the two greatest punters in NFL history had a 47.3-yard gross average and a 38.8 net. He had 10 touchbacks and 24 inside the 20-yard line. less

<b>23. Shane Lechler, punter</b>
<br>
In his third season with the Texans and the last year of his contract, one of the two greatest punters in NFL history had a 47.3-yard gross average and a 38.8 net. He ... more

Photo: Thomas B. Shea / Getty Images

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<b>22. Jonathan Grimes, running back</b>
<br>
He was part of the running back-by-committee approach. He averaged 5 yards on 56 carries. He added 26 catches. He did a nice job when getting the ball in the Wildcat formation. less

<b>22. Jonathan Grimes, running back</b>
<br>
He was part of the running back-by-committee approach. He averaged 5 yards on 56 carries. He added 26 catches. He did a nice job when getting the ball in the ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>21. Benardrick McKinney, inside linebacker</b>
<br>
The second-round pick overcame a slow start and an injury to excel over the second half of the season. He finished with 58 tackles, including 35 unassisted, and had seven tackles for loss. less

<b>21. Benardrick McKinney, inside linebacker</b>
<br>
The second-round pick overcame a slow start and an injury to excel over the second half of the season. He finished with 58 tackles, including 35 ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>20. Jared Crick, defensive end</b>
<br>
In the last year of his contract, he was strong against the run but not a force on the pass rush and didn’t get many chances, finishing with two sacks. He plays hard and gets every ounce out of his ability. less

<b>20. Jared Crick, defensive end</b>
<br>
In the last year of his contract, he was strong against the run but not a force on the pass rush and didn’t get many chances, finishing with two sacks. He plays ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>19. Derek Newton, offensive tackle</b>
<br>
Because of injuries, he played three positions and filled in admirably at guard. He was inconsistent at right tackle and didn’t play as well as he did in 2014. less

<b>19. Derek Newton, offensive tackle</b>
<br>
Because of injuries, he played three positions and filled in admirably at guard. He was inconsistent at right tackle and didn’t play as well as he did in ... more

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<b>18. Brian Hoyer, quarterback</b>
<br>
He would have ranked higher, but his abysmal performance in the playoff loss to Kansas City dropped him. Finished regular season with a 5-4 record, 19 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a career-high 91.4 rating. less

<b>18. Brian Hoyer, quarterback</b>
<br>
He would have ranked higher, but his abysmal performance in the playoff loss to Kansas City dropped him. Finished regular season with a 5-4 record, 19 touchdowns, ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b>17. Nate Washington, wide receiver</b>
<br>
In his first season with the Texans, he was second on the team with 47 catches for 658 yards and four touchdowns. He did an impressive job of working with the younger receivers. less

<b>17. Nate Washington, wide receiver</b>
<br>
In his first season with the Texans, he was second on the team with 47 catches for 658 yards and four touchdowns. He did an impressive job of working with the ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>16. Jadeveon Clowney, outside linebacker</b>
<br>
Despite missing three games and parts of three more, he had 4 ½ sacks. He was third on the defense with eight tackles for loss. He was second with six pass deflections. less

<b>16. Jadeveon Clowney, outside linebacker</b>
<br>
Despite missing three games and parts of three more, he had 4 ½ sacks. He was third on the defense with eight tackles for loss. He was second with six ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>15. John Simon, outside linebacker</b>
<br>
Had a tough assignment replacing Brooks Reed on the strong side. Had five sacks, two more than Reed in 2014. Simon set the edge against the run. He also registered 11 hits on the quarterback. less

<b>15. John Simon, outside linebacker</b>
<br>
Had a tough assignment replacing Brooks Reed on the strong side. Had five sacks, two more than Reed in 2014. Simon set the edge against the run. He also ... more

Photo: Michael Ciaglo / Houston Chronicle

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<b>14. Jon Weeks, deep snapper</b>
<br>
The best snapper in the NFL was rewarded with his first trip to the Pro Bowl. Every snap on punts and kicks was perfect.

<b>14. Jon Weeks, deep snapper</b>
<br>
The best snapper in the NFL was rewarded with his first trip to the Pro Bowl. Every snap on punts and kicks was perfect.

Photo: Mark Cunningham / Getty Images

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<b>13. Andre Hal, safety</b>
<br>
In his second season, the former cornerback made a nice transition to safety even though he’s undersized for the position. He led the team with four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. less

<b>13. Andre Hal, safety</b>
<br>
In his second season, the former cornerback made a nice transition to safety even though he’s undersized for the position. He led the team with four interceptions, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>12. Vince Wilfork, nose tackle</b>
<br>
In his first season with the Texans, he started slow, but, like most of his teammates, his performance improved during the 7-2 finish. He played the run well and often tied up two blockers. less

<b>12. Vince Wilfork, nose tackle</b>
<br>
In his first season with the Texans, he started slow, but, like most of his teammates, his performance improved during the 7-2 finish. He played the run well and ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>11. Ben Jones, center</b>
<br>
After starting at left guard, he moved inside to replace Chris Myers and did a splendid job. As the center, Jones had a lot of responsibility at the line of scrimmage, and he handled it with ease. less

<b>11. Ben Jones, center</b>
<br>
After starting at left guard, he moved inside to replace Chris Myers and did a splendid job. As the center, Jones had a lot of responsibility at the line of scrimmage, and ... more

Photo: Frederick Breedon / Getty Images

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<b>10. Alfred Blue, running back</b>
<br>
Everyone thought he would come off the bench behind Arian Foster, but his injuries left Blue with the heavy-duty work. He led the team with 698 yards and added 15 receptions. less

<b>10. Alfred Blue, running back</b>
<br>
Everyone thought he would come off the bench behind Arian Foster, but his injuries left Blue with the heavy-duty work. He led the team with 698 yards and added 15 ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b>9. Kevin Johnson, cornerback</b>
<br>
The first-round pick was the first corner off the bench. He brought a physical presence to the secondary, a hard hitter who also did a terrific job on coverage for most of his rookie season. less

<b>9. Kevin Johnson, cornerback</b>
<br>
The first-round pick was the first corner off the bench. He brought a physical presence to the secondary, a hard hitter who also did a terrific job on coverage for ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>8. Kareem Jackson, cornerback</b>
<br>
Despite missing time with an ankle injury, Jackson was a tackling machine who had 58, including 52 unassisted. He covered well from outside or in the slot. less

<b>8. Kareem Jackson, cornerback</b>
<br>
Despite missing time with an ankle injury, Jackson was a tackling machine who had 58, including 52 unassisted. He covered well from outside or in the ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b>7. Brian Cushing, inside linebacker</b>
<br>
He started all 16 games for the first time since the 2011 season. Cushing led the team with 110 tackles, including 63 unassisted.

<b>7. Brian Cushing, inside linebacker</b>
<br>
He started all 16 games for the first time since the 2011 season. Cushing led the team with 110 tackles, including 63 unassisted.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b>6. Brandon Brooks, offensive guard</b>
<br>
In the last year of his contract, he was the team’s best guard. He played well, not as well as in 2014 when he dominated, and he was the second-best lineman behind Duane Brown. less

<b>6. Brandon Brooks, offensive guard</b>
<br>
In the last year of his contract, he was the team’s best guard. He played well, not as well as in 2014 when he dominated, and he was the second-best lineman ... more

Photo: Frederick Breedon / Getty Images

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<b>5. Duane Brown, offensive tackle</b>
<br>
He would have been playing in another Pro Bowl if not for the torn quad tendon that required season-ending surgery. In his eighth season, once again he was the team’s best offensive lineman. less

<b>5. Duane Brown, offensive tackle</b>
<br>
He would have been playing in another Pro Bowl if not for the torn quad tendon that required season-ending surgery. In his eighth season, once again he was the ... more

Photo: Brett Carlsen / Getty Images

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<b>4. Whitney Mercilus, outside linebacker</b>
<br>
After getting a new contract, he recorded a career-high 12 sacks and added three more in the playoff loss to Kansas City. He and J.J. Watt combined for 29 ½ sacks, making them the most prolific duo in the league. less

<b>4. Whitney Mercilus, outside linebacker</b>
<br>
After getting a new contract, he recorded a career-high 12 sacks and added three more in the playoff loss to Kansas City. He and J.J. Watt combined for 29 ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>3. Johnathan Joseph, cornerback</b>
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After a slow start, he rebounded to have one of the best seasons of his 10-year career. He was terrific in coverage and usually got the opponent’s best receiver. less

<b>3. Johnathan Joseph, cornerback</b>
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After a slow start, he rebounded to have one of the best seasons of his 10-year career. He was terrific in coverage and usually got the opponent’s best ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>2. DeAndre Hopkins, wide receiver</b>
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He’s playing in his first Pro Bowl and was voted second-team All-Pro after catching 111 passes for 1,521 yards and a franchise-record 11 touchdowns. He’s considered as one of the league’s four best receivers. less

<b>2. DeAndre Hopkins, wide receiver</b>
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He’s playing in his first Pro Bowl and was voted second-team All-Pro after catching 111 passes for 1,521 yards and a franchise-record 11 touchdowns. He’s ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<b>1. J.J. Watt, defensive end</b>
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The best player on the team is a leading candidate to be voted NFL Defensive Player of the Year for a third time, which would tie Lawrence Taylor for the most in history. Watt led the NFL with 17 ½ sacks, 29 tackles for losses and 50 hits on the quarterback. less

<b>1. J.J. Watt, defensive end</b>
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The best player on the team is a leading candidate to be voted NFL Defensive Player of the Year for a third time, which would tie Lawrence Taylor for the most in ... more

Playing in his first Pro Bowl, Hopkins caught a seven-yard touchdown pass from Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie quarterback Jameis Winston. Hopkins punctuated the red-zone score with a windmill slam dunk to celebrate the touchdown.

Hopkins and Texans long snapper Jon Weeks played for Michael Irvin’s team, winning the game 49-27 over Jerry Rice’s squad.

Hopkins caught a 61-yard pass in the first half from Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. Hopkins, who caught 111 passes during the regular season for 1,521 yards and 11 touchdowns, finished with three catches for 71 yards and the touchdown on five targets.

Hopkins also lined up at cornerback in the annual NFL all-star game.

By playing for the winning Pro Bowl squad, Hopkins and Weeks earned $58,000 checks with the losers getting $29,000 checks.

Texans Pro Bowl defensive end J.J. Watt didn’t play in the game because he’s recuperating from sports hernia surgery.